Giorgio Chiellini believes Italy will “begin a new tournament” if they reach the Euro 2012 quarter-finals.

The Azzurri must beat the Republic of Ireland and hope Spain-Croatia does not end 2-2 in order to progress.

“We should focus only on Ireland. Maybe you see it differently from the outside, but our only objective is to win and not think about good luck, bad luck or anything else," he said in this evening's Press conference.

“We played two good games against excellent teams and must simply improve on a few errors we made at the front and the back. If we win then a new tournament can begin for us.”

Cesare Prandelli tested out the 4-3-1-2 system in training, scrapping the 3-5-2 that has been used so far in the competition.

“It’s all the same for me. In previous years I almost always played in a four-man defence, while it’s not even necessarily three at the back throughout this season,” said the Juventus man.

“I have had a long career and we’ve all played in various systems, so we have shown our versatility. The important thing is to remain balanced.

“I’ve already played with most of my teammates and we’ve been training for a month to ensure we’re all on the same page. When that is the case, it gives you an advantage in any tactical approach.”